Countries Are Becoming More and More Similar - IELTS Writing Tasks 2

Question

Outline

Essay Type

• Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Sentence 1: Introduce the topic.
• Sentence 2 – Mention personal viewpoint

Body Paragraphs

• Paragraph 1 – main downside is the loss of cultural heritage and variety that are intrinsic components of a nation
• Paragraph 2 – this presents a serious threat to both the environment and local artisans

Conclusion

• Summarize and state final opinion.

Countries Are Becoming More and More Similar - Sample Answer 1

Due to advances in technology, the global production of many products has surged, allowing purchasers to access products that are almost identical in many respects. Thus, nations now have increased parallelism in all spheres. In my opinion, this is not exactly a positive development.

I strongly believe that the main downside is the loss of cultural heritage and variety that are intrinsic components of a nation. Several major companies have gained a significant share of the global market today. The consequence of the proliferating identical goods globally leads people to get far away from their customs and moulds. In general, people nowadays visit fast food joints such as McDonald’s or KFC, which have become ubiquitous on streets instead of traditional food restaurants. This slowly alters citizens’ love for their culinary traditions.

In addition to that, modern society follows the trend of international markets. People buy products from global companies. But, this presents a serious threat to both the environment and local artisans. Multinational companies are the only beneficiaries here. The small firms and manufacturers are unable to compete with big corporations and quickly lose market share. Also, there is a reduction in the need to recruit skilled workers who can produce goods with local flavour. Thus, the local skills of these people are also lost along with their primary source of income.

However, some people might see it as a positive development and might argue that with broader liberty, local consumers can enjoy a better lifestyle without being constrained to low-cost local products. Still, the cultural heritage will be destroyed, and unemployment will result if this scenario comes to pass.

In conclusion, the ease with which the same goods are available globally negatively impacts the local atmosphere and culture. It is thus advisable to consume locally produced goods and food items whenever possible.

Countries Are Becoming More and More Similar - Sample Answer 2

In today’s globalized world, people can access the same products regardless of their location, making countries increasingly similar. I believe this development is largely positive because it enhances convenience, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

One of the main advantages is the convenience it brings to consumers. Products such as smartphones, clothing brands, and food items are widely available across countries, allowing people to enjoy high-quality goods without geographical limitations. For instance, a person in India can buy the same brand of coffee or smartphone as someone in the United States, which improves lifestyle quality and reduces disparities.

Moreover, this trend contributes to economic growth. Multinational companies benefit from a larger market, creating jobs and fostering international trade. Countries that embrace these products often see improvements in infrastructure, technology adoption, and business opportunities, which strengthens their economy.

Finally, the availability of similar products fosters cultural exchange. People learn about different lifestyles, habits, and preferences from other countries, which can increase tolerance and global understanding. For example, international fast-food chains introduce local populations to new cuisines and eating habits, promoting a sense of shared global culture.

In conclusion, the growing similarity of countries due to product availability has numerous advantages, including convenience, economic benefits, and cultural understanding. Therefore, I believe this development should be viewed positively.

Countries Are Becoming More and More Similar - Sample Answer 3

The increasing similarity between countries, driven by the global availability of products, is a phenomenon observed worldwide. I consider this development to be beneficial because it improves living standards, encourages global trade, and promotes cultural awareness.

Firstly, access to the same products enhances people’s quality of life. Everyday items such as clothing, electronics, and household goods are no longer restricted to certain regions, making life more comfortable and predictable. For instance, travelers can find familiar brands when abroad, reducing inconvenience and ensuring consistency in their daily routines.

Secondly, this trend stimulates global trade and economic development. Multinational companies expand their markets and generate employment in multiple countries. This not only boosts local economies but also encourages innovation as companies compete internationally to meet consumer demand.

Lastly, the global availability of products helps bridge cultural gaps. People are exposed to foreign traditions, lifestyles, and preferences through everyday items, leading to greater cross-cultural understanding. For example, Japanese sushi or Italian pasta chains operating worldwide introduce people to new cuisines, encouraging openness to diverse cultures.

In summary, while some argue that countries may lose uniqueness, the advantages of this trend—better living standards, economic growth, and cultural exchange—far outweigh the drawbacks. Thus, I firmly believe that this development is positive.

Countries Are Becoming More and More Similar - IELTS Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Surged

Meaning: to move quickly and powerfully
Eg: The use of goods surged.

• Downside

Meaning: the disadvantages or negative aspects of something
Eg: Everything has a downside.

• Intrinsic

Meaning: belonging to something as part of its nature; basic
Eg: this object has no intrinsic values.

•  Proliferating

Meaning: to increase quickly in number
Eg: Computerized databases are proliferating.

•  Ubiquitous

Meaning: seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time; very common
Eg: The internet is ubiquitous now and one must learn to access it.

•  Culinary

Meaning :connected with cooking
Eg: The chef created a culinary masterpiece

•  Recruit

Meaning: to find new people to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc.
Eg: Nowadays multinationals are not recruiting many people.

•  Local flavour

Meaning: characteristic of or associated with a particular locality or area.
Eg: Meetings in this Kingdom Hall certainly have a local flavour.

• Constrained

Meaning: to limit somebody/something; to force somebody/something to do something
Eg: The company’s growth has been constrained by high taxes.

• Liberty

Meaning:  freedom
Eg: “You don’t have the liberty to do this.”

In conclusion, opinion essays allow candidates to clearly express their personal viewpoint while supporting it with relevant reasons and examples. Reviewing the two Band 9 sample answers for “Countries Are Becoming More and More Similar – IELTS Writing Task 2” can help you understand essay structure, develop ideas logically, and present well-supported arguments effectively to achieve a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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